64
Driving and Operating
Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
Caution
Placing tall or oversized items near or
against the spoiler or the lamp above the
truck bed can result in vehicle damage.
To prevent vehicle damage, properly store
cargo in the truck bed away from the
spoiler and the lamp using the cargo
tie-downs.
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Warning
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Unsecured cargo on the load floor can
be tossed about when driving over
rough terrain. You or your passengers
can be struck by flying objects. Secure
the cargo properly.
.
Keep cargo in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible. The
heaviest things should be on the floor,
forward of the rear axle.
.
Heavy loads on the roof raise the
vehicle's center of gravity, making it
more likely to roll over. You can be
seriously or fatally injured if the
vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads
inside the cargo area, not on the roof.
For more information about loading the
vehicle, see
and
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Environmental Concerns
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Always use established trails, roads, and
areas that have been set aside for public
off-road recreational driving and obey all
posted regulations.
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Do not damage shrubs, flowers, trees,
grasses, or disturb wildlife.
Driving on Hills
Driving safely on hills requires good
judgment and an understanding of what the
vehicle can and cannot do.
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Warning
Many hills are simply too steep for any
vehicle. Driving up hills can cause the
vehicle to stall. Driving down hills can
cause loss of control. Driving across hills
can cause a rollover. You could be injured
or killed. Do not drive on steep hills.
Before driving on a hill, assess the
steepness, traction, and obstructions. If the
terrain ahead cannot be seen, get out of the
vehicle and walk the hill before driving
further.
When driving on hills:
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Use low mode and keep a firm grip on
the steering wheel.
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Maintain a slow speed.
{
Warning
Driving to the top of a hill at high speed
can cause a crash. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even
another vehicle. You could be seriously
injured or killed. As you near the top of a
hill, slow down and stay alert.
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When possible, drive straight up or down
the hill.
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Slow down when approaching the top of
the hill.
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Use headlamps even during the day to
make the vehicle more visible.
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Never go downhill forward or backward
with the vehicle in N (Neutral). The brakes
could overheat and you could lose
control.